on Monday, March 20, 2017
BY CARLA GOMEZ

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who wasin Negros Occidental last night, said he was on a trip through the western seaboard to see for himself how the nautical highway can be further improved.

Alvarez said he came to Bacolod from Iloilo and was headed for Dumaguete today as part of his western seaboard nautical highway trip, and will return to Manila via the eastern seaboard.

“We are preparing the budget for 2018 and we want to personally see the conditions of the roads, bridges, ro-ro terminals and the boats crossing between islands if they are safe and clean, and charge reasonable fees for users,” he said.

He was accompanied last night by Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Clint Aranas and Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3 rd District) on his way to Salvador Benedicto town in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, Alvarez said he is still studying the filing of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo for undermining the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte before the international community.

Alvarez was referring to Robredo's video message before a United Nations meeting on illegal drugs in Vienna, Austria on March 16, where she spoke out against Duterte's anti-drug war.

He said she betrayed public trust by maligning the government.

Alvarez said he is studying the filing of an impeachment complaint because “in the history of the Republic of the Philippines this is the only time an official of the government sent a video clip to the UN putting down the country. It is really a very irresponsible act because it will affect the economy, tourism,” he said.

“I am studying it to make sure I have all the goods so that it can stand trial in an impeachment court”, he said.

On the impeachment complaint filed by NegrenseRep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo) against Duterte, Alvarez said the allegations appear to be rehashed and he doubts that it will progress.*CPG